A new audio walking tour will take you all over Vancouver's colourful and historic West End neighbourhood - all you need are some headphones and good walking shoes.
Launched by Car Free Vancouver and "hosted" by local historian and author Aaron Chapman, the We Live Here - West End Audio Tour covers decades of local history and about 4.9 kilometres of ground.
Make your way through the streets of the West End and listen along as Chapman and four other storytellers bring you tales of the neighbourhood, representing a variety of styles and topics (including one segment that you'll want to skip if you're exploring with kids).
There's no set time or course - the West End Audio Tour features a suggested walking route, but can also be broken up into smaller treks for multiple strolls, and, of course, stopping to enjoy the view, grab a bite to eat or something to drink, or relax with your walking companion(s) are all worthy diversions. It's truly a choose your own adventure.
Car Free Vancouver says they have been looking for ways to keep Vancouverites sticking close to home something fun and unique to do in our own city.
Contemplate vacant spaces, learn stories about special West End residents, and find out more about what went on at night once upon a time. In addition to Chapman offering some local lore in his "West End Stories" segment, hear from the following: Squamish Elder Dennis Joseph, Journalist/Broadcaster and CBC Radio documentarian Pamela Post, writer, poet, podcast host and otter enthusiast Dina Del Bucchia, and beloved author and long-time West End resident Bill Richardson.
The tour is bike-able (though two segments will need you to walk your bike to specific locations), and you'll want to time your listening of part five with the operating hours of the Robson Public Market (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily) as it asks you to go inside. And of course, bring your water bottle and wear sunscreen.
Access the West End Audio Tour HERE.
